Welcome! Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis has agreed to participate in a live web chat with our readers beginning at 1 p.m. You may submit questions in advance by typing them below – City Hall reporter Nick Vlahos will moderate the chat, which is expected to last about an hour.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 12:08 Journal Star

1:00

Nick Vlahos:

Welcome, everybody, to a live chat with Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis. I’m Journal Star reporter Nick Vlahos. The mayor should be online with us momentarily.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:00 Nick Vlahos

1:00

Jim Ardis:

I’m here Nick. Good afternoon

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:00 Jim Ardis

1:01

Nick Vlahos:

Good afternoon to you, too, Mr. Mayor. Are you doing this from the golf course?

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:01 Nick Vlahos

1:01

Jim Ardis:

I’m in your office at the PJS. You must be on the golf course sir. You need to clean this place up. Ugh.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:01 Jim Ardis

1:02

Nick Vlahos:

I know, I’m the biggest contributor to the mess. I appreciate you joining us today.

Let me start with a question for you: We’re about two weeks into the City Council’s new term, and we’ve had one full meeting with the new members. Perhaps it’s too early to tell, but how would you assess how things are going so far?

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:02 Nick Vlahos

1:04

Jim Ardis:

It is early Nick but from my vantage point things are going well. Councilmen Grayeb and Montelongo served as At-Large members before and have a bit of a leg up on Councilmembers Moore and Johnson. All four have engaged 110% and are more than ready to roll up their sleeves for the people in their districts and the city as a whole.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:04 Jim Ardis

1:06

Nick Vlahos:

All four seemed to be engaged and up to speed during the meeting last week. It should be an interesting two years.

I’ll go ahead and post questions from some of those participating in the chat today.

First one up is from Steven Norman.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:06 Nick Vlahos

1:06

[Comment From Steven NormanSteven Norman: ]

Dear Mr. Mayor,

Please speak to the inequity in the way that the City has designed the Garbage Collection Fees. That is, to bill the owner of every address within the City of Peoria every month. The City stands firm on their no exceptions policy. And is adamant about collecting a monthly fee. Unfair.
Please consider the following;
1) 1 – 4 Unit Buildings are billed $13/ Building (not per Unit) regardless of whether the Owner provides a dumpster at his expense.
2) Premise is unoccupied and therefore not generating garbage that requires collecting.
3) A vacant property which is being held for months or even years as an investment.
4) A seasonal residence which is occupied for only part of the year (i.e.. “Snowbirds”
5) When the Garbage Collection Fee was collected thru IAW from the individual who had the water service in his or her name, it was paid by the occupant generating the trash at that address. Fair enough.
But this seems more like a penalty for the privilege of owning property in the City of Peoria.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:06 Steven Norman

1:11

Jim Ardis:

Mr Norman,
We’ll continue to work on these issues especially as it relates to the real or perceived “fairness” issues you describe. We have to pay for the collection as a city and aren’t set up to collect an amount based on “how much garbage your home produces”, whether it’s a small bag a week every week, none in the winter months if you’re a snowbird or somewhere else. The City Manager will continue to monitor the situation and bring back alternatives for us to consider if he feels there is an issue where some are paying for a service they aren’t getting. I might add that by charging for the garbage service, we’re able to dedicate over $15 million dollars from our motor-fuel dollars towards getting our streets in better condition. These dollars were previously going to help underwrite the cost of garbage disposal.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:11 Jim Ardis

1:13

Nick Vlahos:

Thanks, Mr. Mayor. We received this question via email from Gregory Williams:

It appears that the Vancouver Canucks AHL Hockey Team is relocating to Utica, N.Y. Why wasn’t more done by the Peoria Civic Center and the City of Peoria to keep this team in Peoria?

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:13 Nick Vlahos

1:15

Jim Ardis:

Greg, first of all, this decision rests solely on the Civic Center Authority. It’s their contract. I did join the PCC General Manager Jim Wetherington and PCC Board Chairman Dan Silverthorn in a meeting to talk with the new owners about keeping the team here. My take on it was they wanted way too much money to help their operating budget. Over $1.5million dollars. It’s very expensive to operate that level of hockey and the new owners wanted them to be closer to their home.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:15 Jim Ardis

1:17

Nick Vlahos:

OK, Mr. Mayor, up next is a question that relates to a topic of discussion at last week’s council meeting (and that I, as a resident of Peoria’s north side, hear about from my neighbors).

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:17 Nick Vlahos

1:17

[Comment From RichardRichard: ]

Why cant a temporary fix be put in place so Allen Road can be opened? Last time this happened they were able to replace the whole colvert under the intersection and was closed only a week. At that time the township did the work. I think it is unacceptable to have a major intersection closed until the end of October.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:17 Richard

1:21

Jim Ardis:

Due to the considerable undermining of that road due to the failure of the culvert, there is no easy fix there. The council gave serious consideration into how this should be remedied and decided to fix it “right” this time and that will take several months. If there were a way to put a patch on it and allow traffic to move through there safely I’m sure our traffic engineering professionals would have given us that option. I believe about 13,000 car/day travel that road and safety is a major concern. The good news is that when it is finally fixed, I believe the new drainage solution will last 50+ years. It is an inconvenience to be sure, but it has to be addressed with safety first.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:21 Jim Ardis

1:22

Nick Vlahos:

Here’s another infrastructure question, Mr. Mayor, this one from Julie Ciota.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:22 Nick Vlahos

1:22

[Comment From Julie CiotaJulie Ciota: ]

Just wondering if the city plans on extending the sidewalk along South Laramie Avenue. I work in the area and I see numerous people walking on the street, because there is not a sidewalk going south. Two or three years ago, the city put in three blocks of sidewalk and then just stopped.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:22 Julie Ciota

1:24

Jim Ardis:

Julie, as you know, portions of Laramie are in the County. We put a considerable sum of money in our budget for repairing, replacing and building new sidewalks around town with emphasis on areas near schools. You can contact our public works department for an update on what may be happening in your area or contact my office at city hall and we’ll get the information for you. Our number is 494-8558.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:24 Jim Ardis

1:25

Nick Vlahos:

Taking a little different turn, Mr. Mayor, here’s a question from someone I assume is using a pseudonym.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:25 Nick Vlahos

1:25

[Comment From Ian F BubbaIan F Bubba: ]

Mr. Mayor, what are your plans for concealed carry for the city of Peoria? Since the state looks like they won’t meet the deadline of June 9, is the city going to permit people who already have a concealed carry permit from other states to carry legally? This is very important, with the way crime is so high at the moment in Peoria Thanks.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:25 Ian F Bubba

1:29

Jim Ardis:

Mr Bubba, I agree that it doesn’t look like the General Assembly is going to get this done by June 9th but we could be surprised. I have asked our legal staff to begin assembling information for us to consider passing our own ordinance. There are a lot of issues to think about if we were to do that. As you may know, several years ago I offered to have Peoria serve as a model city to test Conceal Carry. If the legislature doesn’t act on the Supreme Courts order, I will be prepared to bring forward an ordinance using our home rule authority to allow conceal carry in Peoria. This will not be a flimsy ordinance and it won’t be an easy process but it will mirror successful laws used in other states for years and years.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:29 Jim Ardis

1:30

Nick Vlahos:

Keeping in the crime-and-punishment vein, Mr. Mayor, here’s another question.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:30 Nick Vlahos

1:30

[Comment From WesWes: ]

I would like to know if you have ever thought of pushing for prison reform, given the fact that many people serve sentences in the state department of corrections, return to the community and return to their prior criminal behavior.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:30 Wes

1:35

Jim Ardis:

Wes, I have had many, many conversations with the State’s Attorney Jerry Brady, Chief Settingsgaard, Sheriff McCoy, our judges and members of Probation and Parole about the issues of recitivism. We know that a large percentage of those paroled into our community will return to their previous ways. We are trying to address these issues and have several groups working to assist these men and women have successful transitions back into society. In many cases it’s workforce training but in all cases means they need to get a job and many are not equipped with the proper skills to get a job, especially in this economy. That’s a long answer to your question. I could’ve just said “Yes”, but I wanted to give you a little more detail. I’d also like to say that if our government spent more dollars educating our kids on the front end, we’d spend less incarcerating them on the back end. And I’m not what most consider a bleeding heart liberal. We have to reprioritize where we’re spending our money.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:35 Jim Ardis

1:36

Nick Vlahos:

Thanks, Mr. Mayor. Speaking of bleeding-heart liberals, the next question might qualify as one close to such a person’s bleeding heart.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:36 Nick Vlahos

1:36

[Comment From Billy DennisBilly Dennis: ]

Trees reduce pollution, lower temperatures, reduce visual blight and make the city good to look at. Why not start an initiative to plant 100,000 new trees in Peoria?

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:36 Billy Dennis

1:39

Jim Ardis:

Billy, i always knew you were a tree hugger! Thanks to the efforts of Councilwoman Akeson, we are currently in the process of taking an inventory of all the trees in Peoria. We intend on bringing about a program to add significant numbers of trees in our city and requiring new developments to include more trees in their plans. It may take us a while to get to 100,000, but the Council understands that trees are huge assets to our community and I think we’ll have a good plan in place to accomplish the goal.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:39 Jim Ardis

1:40

Nick Vlahos:

While you’re at it, Mr. Mayor, the area in front of my place could use some shade. Back to crime with our next question.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:40 Nick Vlahos

1:40

[Comment From CindyCindy: ]

Hello, Mayor Ardis. I would like an update on the Don’t Shoot initiative, including progress made, next steps, plans, etc. Thank you.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:40 Cindy

1:45

Jim Ardis:

Nick, you could use a coat of paint too.

Cindy, thanks for asking about Don’t Shoot. At last weeks council meeting I mentioned some of our latest crime statistics year-to-date as of May 6th. Shots fired calls are down 35%. Aggravated discharge of a gun is down 45%. Reckless discharge of a firearm is down 42%. Total crime is down by 15% and violent crime is down 12%. While Don’t Shoot can’t take all the credit for these improvements, I think it has to be considered. Currently the Police Department are compiling evidence on people who are continuing to terrorize our neighborhoods. As they did with the Bomb Squad, indictments will be coming forward and strict prosecution at the highest level will occur. That will be followed by another call-in to put people on notice that the system is working and if they continue to use guns in our city, they will be investigated, arrested and sent to prison.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:45 Jim Ardis

1:47

Nick Vlahos:

The next question is more nuisance than crime, but it still can affect quality of life.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:47 Nick Vlahos

1:47

[Comment From jeffjeff: ]

The city cracked down on loud car audio systems a couple years ago with good results. Why can’t something be done with motorcycles that have deafening exhausts?

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:47 jeff

1:49

Jim Ardis:

Jeff, you are correct. We have good noise ordinances on the books here. The biggest problem with motorcycles is that the officer has to be present when the motorcycles let loose and most times they aren’t around. ABATE is supportive of noise ordinances and don’t condone any modifications made to mufflers to allow the extreme noise. We continue to work on this quality of life issue, but it’s a tough one for officers to catch.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:49 Jim Ardis

1:50

Nick Vlahos:

Back to construction (or perhaps the lack of it) for our next query, from Mary Blank.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:50 Nick Vlahos

1:50

[Comment From Mary BlankMary Blank: ]

Why wasn’t Armstrong Street connected to the roundabout? When will Armstrong Street be opened? Access to Easter Seals is inconvenient and the brick road being used is very rough. Thank you.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:50 Mary Blank

1:54

Jim Ardis:

Mary, I believe the issue connecting Armstrong was logistics and future plans for the OSF campus. I don’t what the timeline is for Armstrong, but if you’ll call my office we’ll get you an update. I believe we’re going to see significant plans in that area as our downstate medical jewel at OSF continues to grow at which time the roads will be addressed. Having a level one trauma center, the Jumptrade Simulation and Education Center and Children’s Hospital puts Peoria in a great position for attracting good jobs here and also significantly raises the level of health care we receive.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:54 Jim Ardis

1:54

Nick Vlahos:

OK, Mr. Mayor, looks like we’ve got time for two or three more questions. Here’s one that’s more about your personal style than anything.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:54 Nick Vlahos

1:54

[Comment From tls1995tls1995: ]

Mr. Mayor – Why don’t you wear a tie to official events such as school board meetings, ribbon cuttings, etc.?

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:54 tls1995

1:57

Jim Ardis:

DS, many times I do and sometimes I don’t. Most ribbon cuttings aren’t extremely formal but when they’re required I wear one. I always wear a sport coat at an official event and feel my attire confirms to the protocols we have. I’m formal when I need to be and casual when that’s appropriate. I hope I never made you feel disrespectful if I wasn’t wearing a tie.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:57 Jim Ardis

1:58

Nick Vlahos:

Those of us who are allergic to ties can appreciate that, Mr. Mayor. The next question is more a comment, but one you’d probably appreciate.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:58 Nick Vlahos

1:58

[Comment From A.C.A.C.: ]

Mayor Ardis, I just wanted to tell you what a great job you and the entire Council are doing to advance the City of Peoria. I truly appreciate all of your efforts. May the peace of God be with you always.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 1:58 A.C.

2:01

Jim Ardis:

A.C (I’m glad those aren’t my mom’s initials. This person is not a plant I assure you). Thank you for your comment. I believe that every person on the council is giving it 110% every day to make our city better. We may not always agree on things but we respect each other’s opinions and all want our city to grow and improve. It’s not an easy job but it’s one we asked for and we want to be successful. I appreciate your words and ask Gods blessings on you as well. Thank you.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 2:01 Jim Ardis

2:01

Nick Vlahos:

One more question, Mr. Mayor, and it’s a good one.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 2:01 Nick Vlahos

2:02

[Comment From atmgr82atmgr82: ]

Pulling people downtown would aid the Chiefs and the new Rivermen affiliate as well as reduce some of the empty storefronts to make people more comfortable making downtown a destination, but what plans are in place to continue to revitalize downtown to get that traffic after hours?

Tuesday May 21, 2013 2:02 atmgr82

2:05

Jim Ardis:

Great question. We are probably spending more dollars and allocating more resources to downtown and the Warehouse District than anywhere else. Over $30million dollars in Federal, State and local dollars are going into the infrastructure of our downtown and warehouse district. Our consultants believe we will see over 200 new residents/year downtown for the forseeable future. This will encourage new business downtown and more activity. Don’t forget that Caterpillar will be building their new World Headquarters downtown over the next several years too. In a few short years, you won’t recognize our downtown and warehouse district. It’s going to be fabulous.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 2:05 Jim Ardis

2:06

Nick Vlahos:

I can hardly wait to see it, Mr. Mayor. And I can hardly begin to express my thanks for you joining us today. I think it was a great give-and-take, and our readers sent in some excellent questions.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 2:06 Nick Vlahos

2:07

Nick Vlahos:

Wait, I have one more late question from … a name that sounds familiar.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 2:07 Nick Vlahos

2:07

[Comment From Phil LucianoPhil Luciano: ]

When can we expect to see the awesome beard again?

Tuesday May 21, 2013 2:07 Phil Luciano

2:08

Jim Ardis:

Phil, I’ll think about it when you get your head shaved ala Yul Brenner

Tuesday May 21, 2013 2:08 Jim Ardis

2:08

Nick Vlahos:

I’ll pay the both of you to see that.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 2:08 Nick Vlahos

2:09

Nick Vlahos:

Again, Mr. Mayor, thanks for your time, and thanks to everybody who participated today. Perhaps we’ll do this again in the not-too-distant future.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 2:09 Nick Vlahos

2:09

Jim Ardis:

might be easier for me to shave my head. i have a lot less hair than phil

Tuesday May 21, 2013 2:09 Jim Ardis

2:10

Jim Ardis:

Thanks Nick. Have a nice Tuesday with no council meeting tonight.

Tuesday May 21, 2013 2:10 Jim Ardis

2:10

Nick Vlahos:

You as well, Mr. Mayor. Thanks again, all, and don’t forget to read our City Hall coverage (and plenty of other stuff) in the Journal Star and at pjstar.com.